Big hair, bigger personalities, and a whole lot of Baltimore attitude! Hairspray has become one of the most recognizable movies associated with Charm City. But long before the story became a Broadway musical and a major motion picture, it began with one of Baltimore’s most iconic filmmakers: John Waters. Born in Baltimore and raised in the area, Waters developed a fascination with movies early on and eventually became known for his wildly unconventional films, distinctive…

What if you could step inside a building in Maryland that stood nearly 100 years before the United States became a country? You can—and it’s right here in Dorchester County. Tucked among the trees along Church Creek is a small brick church with a remarkable story. Old Trinity Episcopal Church is widely recognized as the oldest church building in the United States still standing and in regular use. Though its exact construction date is unknown,…

As the world’s best tennis players head to New York for the U.S. Open, there’s an impressive tennis story that began right here in Prince George’s County. In College Park, the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) has helped develop generations of young tennis players—but perhaps its most famous alumnus is Maryland native Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe, who grew up in the College Park area, has a particularly special connection to JTCC. His father, Frances Sr., was…

Long before ghost tours and haunted attractions, St. Mary's County was home to one of Maryland's most enduring legends. According to local oral tradition, Moll Dyer was an older woman who lived alone near present-day Leonardtown during the harsh winter of 1697 or 1698. As disease spread through the community and crops failed, frightened residents searched for someone to blame. They accused Moll of witchcraft, chased her from her cabin, and burned her home. Days…

This year, the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Among the 56 men who signed the document in 1776 were four Marylanders: Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Samuel Chase, William Paca, and Thomas Stone. Each of these men represented a different part of colonial Maryland and left a lasting mark on our state’s history. Charles Carroll of Carrollton — Anne Arundel County Born in Annapolis in 1737, Charles…

Blue crabs, the Baltimore oriole, and black-eyed Susans are all well-known symbols of Maryland, but did you know the state's official drink is milk? In 1998, the Maryland General Assembly officially designated milk as the state drink to recognize the lasting contributions of Maryland's dairy industry and the generations of farmers who have helped shape the state's agricultural heritage. At the time, dairy farming was one of Maryland's leading agricultural industries, with hundreds of family-owned…

If you've ever watched Disney's Tuck Everlasting, you've already seen one of Maryland's most beautiful natural treasures on screen. Several scenes from the 2002 film were shot throughout the state, including one of the most memorable and iconic at Kilgore Falls in Harford County. There, the waterfall serves as the backdrop for the unforgettable scene where Winnie Foster and Jesse Tuck go swimming—a peaceful moment that captures the wonder and magic of their extraordinary story.…

In Allegany County, the mountain town of Frostburg adds a high-speed tradition to its Independence Day festivities: homemade derby cars racing down historic Main Street. Every Fourth of July, locals and visitors gather for the Frostburg Elks Derby Day, a beloved tradition that has become one of Allegany County's most unique celebrations. Now in its 49th year, the Frostburg Elks Derby Day transforms downtown Frostburg into a lively racecourse as more than 60 handcrafted derby…

When most people hear the name "Washington," they think of the nation's capital or America's first president. But Maryland made history by creating the first county in the United States to bear George Washington's name. Washington County was officially established on September 6, 1776, just two months after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. At the time, George Washington wasn't president—he was serving as commander of the Continental Army and leading the colonies through the…

Visitors have plenty of reasons to flock to Denton in Caroline County, and the town's new Bird City Maryland designation has just added another. The historic town of Denton is well-positioned for birding in every season. For many outdoor explorers and birders, the town serves as an obvious starting point for experiencing the county’s natural beauty. This year (2026), Denton has been officially recognized as Caroline County’s first “Bird City Maryland” community. Denton is earning…